Fourteen years ago, the public responded to an invitation from the Forestry Department to join a national tree planting effort which was one of the activities held in observance of the Agency’s 65th anniversary. Since the initial response, the support of the Jamaican people has been tremendous. This continues to serve as great motivation for the Agency as we plan and execute the yearly programme knowing that we have your full support.

This year’s theme, ‘Trees Today, Trees Tomorrow, Trees for Life’, speaks to the fact that trees and our very existence and the sustenance of life are inextricably linked. From trees, we receive life-giving oxygen and life-sustaining food and medicine. Our trees and forests also play a very critical role in ensuring that we have good quality water to use in our homes, to drink and for other domestic purposes. Trees also have the ability to help us save money through energy conservation by keeping the environment cool, reducing the need to use fans and air conditioning units which will have a ripple effect on your energy usage thus reducing your energy bill. In our urban centres, they are essential to maintaining good air quality by trapping carbon emitted from our factories, vehicles and other industrial activities. This function is also very critical to our country’s drive to reduce and adapt to climate change.

The Forestry Department wants your help to achieve our goal of having every Jamaican understand the benefits of trees and their impact on our lives and livelihoods. It is our belief that when persons are able to make the connection between trees, their lives and well-being, they will be so moved to protect and value them by refraining from cutting them down and also by replenishing and increasing the tree stock through planting activities.

Let me use this opportunity to thank the public for your continued support of the work of the Forestry Department and particularly National Tree Planting Day; special thanks to those organizations and institutions who have demonstrated their support for tree planting by partnering with us to undertake tree planting exercises. I want to invite those not yet involved, to join in and be a part of a cause seeking to make a better and healthier Jamaica. Join us today as we plant trees to sustain not only this generation but those to come.

Marilyn Headley

CEO & Conservator of Forests